On campaign trail, vulnerable GOP senators play down a more conservative Supreme Court
The nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court marks a chance for the GOP to secure a decisive 6-3 conservative majority and accomplish long-held priorities for years to come.
With her conservative voting record and a judicial philosophy calling for a strict interpretation of the Constitution, Barrett would likely move the court solidly to the right -- and potentially cast a deciding vote to overturn or restrict Roe v. Wade, which enshrined a woman's right to an abortion, and invalidate the Affordable Care Act. Barrett, though, is certain to be circumspect about her views on those cases during confirmation hearings set for next week.
On the campaign trail, rather than touting that prospect, several prominent Republican senators up for reelection are downplaying a possible conservative shift on the court in an attempt to avoid a potential backlash on Election Day.
The 'worst poker playing'
Some incumbents appear to be minimizing the implications of Barrett's addition to the court, arguing that even with six conservative justices -- three nominated by Trump -- the court might not always rule in favor of the GOP's core policy goals.
https://www.yahoo.com/gma/campaign-trail-vulnerable-gop-senators-090811927.html
